ع
The Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratisation released a guide that electronically links issuance and renewal of work permits to confirmation of valid health insurance coverage for private sector employees and domestic workers a Morgan Lewis client alert stated. The law firm noted that the measure streamlines processes already in force rather than creating new requirements for employers across the UAE. Morgan Lewis added that the guide forms part of ongoing efforts to complete implementation of worker health insurance while enhancing transparency and efficiency in labour market governance. According to the ministry the automated system prevents permit processing unless a compliant policy is verified.
Morgan Lewis detailed that the guide specifies several conditions for the health insurance policy including compliance with minimum approved coverage standards. The firm explained that coverage must extend for the full two-year validity of the work permit and employers must bear all subscription and renewal costs with workers contributing nothing beyond standard co-payments. Cancellation of policies during the permit period is prohibited if it would leave the worker without continuous protection Morgan Lewis reported. A separate Khaleej Times interview with a ministry official on July 28 2026 reinforced that no manual uploads are needed as the system performs the check automatically.
The clarification builds on the federal mandate that made health insurance compulsory for private sector workers and domestic helpers in all seven emirates from January 1 2025 according to a Gulf News report published that month. MOHRE statements cited in that coverage indicated the basic annual package costs AED 320 and had been expanded to 380 healthcare providers by early 2026 to improve access. The ministry’s data places the policy as a condition for residency visa issuance or renewal with full employer responsibility for the premium.
Morgan Lewis highlighted that the integration accelerates approval times and simplifies compliance for businesses while safeguarding worker rights to uninterrupted medical coverage. The law firm observed that the framework applies uniformly whether the worker is employed by a private establishment or serves as domestic help. Earlier ministerial resolutions had laid the groundwork for these checks but the July 2026 guide embeds them directly into the electronic workflow a Morgan Lewis assessment found.
Public Authority for Civil Information figures place the UAE’s expatriate population which forms the bulk of the private sector workforce at more than 9 million according to demographic reports referenced in regional analyses. The health insurance requirement ties into broader labour reforms aimed at protecting this demographic amid sustained economic growth. Morgan Lewis noted that employers failing to maintain coverage could face blocks on future permit applications under the automated system.
In its review Morgan Lewis advised companies to review their existing insurance arrangements to ensure alignment with the minimum standards outlined in the guide. The firm pointed out that the policy must remain active throughout the permit term without any gaps. Officials from the ministry have emphasised in statements to local media that the update enhances service efficiency while upholding obligations already applicable to employers.
